Bowers Museum’s Warriors, Tombs and Temples, China’s Enduring Legacy, runs now through March 4th. Following the extraordinary 2008 Exhibition, Terra Cotta Warriors: Guardians of China’s First Emperor, the Bowers Museum in Santa Ana partners with Houston Museum of Natural Science to show 200 newly discovered treasures from ancient Chinese tombs. Debuting now in the U.S., these ancient works of art come from three dynasties of Chinese civilization. Many have been unearthed from imperial, royal and elite tombs and from ancient Buddhist monasteries near the modern city of Xi’an in Shaanxi Province. A priceless collection from tombs that were built like homes for the daily rituals of the royal family and secrets of the Silk Road. Bowers Museum, 2002 North Main Street, Santa Ana, CA

Top Dog Underdog at the South Coast Repertory, runs through January 29th

This Pulitzer Prize drama is an electrifying view of the gritty lives of two street savvy hustlers, Lincoln and Booth. The New York Times calls it, “a thrilling comic drama….dazzlingly written!”  Bearing names of white men given to them by their father as a joke before he walked away, the brothers never stop conning suckers on the street and, ultimately, each other in this darkly funny drama of family grief and recovery. South Coast Repertory, 655 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa,CA

Newport Beach Jazz Party at the Newport Mariott, February 16th-19th

President’s Day Weekend is a four-day festival of “Right Down the Middle and Straight Ahead” jazz with big bands and duos, playing everything from Ellington to Sinatra. Stars include John Pizzarelli (Thursday) and Frank Sinatra, Jr. (Sunday). The Newport Mariott Hotel and Spa, 900 Newport Center Drive, Newport, CA

Star Wars, Where Science Meets Imagination, Discovery Science Center, Santa Ana, Runs through April 15th

Imagine humanoid robots translating languages, land speeders zooming down highways, and X-wing Starfighters guarding the skies. Could these Star Wars™ technologies become reality? Find out in Discovery Science Center’s out-of-this-world exhibit, by Bose Corporation.

Discovery Science Center, 2500 N. Main, Santa Ana, CA

Surfcity USA Marathon, Huntington Beach, February 5th

California’s Classic Oceanfront Marathon runs on Pacific Coast Highway past the Huntington Beach pier and through legendary surfing beaches. The Surf City USA® Marathon includes the Free Wheelchair Mission 7th annual Run for Mobility as runners raise funds to send wheelchairs to people in need around the world.. Retro surf bands entertain with a Finish Line Festival beach side beer garden.

Crystal Cove State Park’s January Tours. Explore tide pools, learn about geology and gray whales and visit the 12 acre historic district of famed cottages. The whole month is full of special guided tours. Crystal Cove State Park, 8471 N. Coast Highway, Laguna Beach.

Cats, Segerstrom Hall, January 17th-22th

Introduce your family to live theater with the magic and mystery of Cats. What began as a musical about cats after Andrew Lloyd Webber picked up a book of poems in an airport bookshop has become one of the longest running shows in Broadway’s history. Winner of seven Tony Awards including Best Musical, Segerstrom Hall, 615 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, CA

Lonesome Traveler at Laguna Playhouse Runs thru February 5th

The Rubicon Theatre Premiere Concert is sparked with “Tom Dooley,” “Goodnight Irene,” “Puff, the Magic Dragon” “Blowin’ in the Wind” and “This Land is Your Land.” .Lonesome Traveler traces our roots from the backwoods of Appalachia to the nightclubs of New York and San Francisco; from the mid 1920s to the mid 1960s. Laguna Playhouse, 606 Laguna Canyon Rd., Laguna Beach

Cinderella Les Ballets De Monte Carlo at Segerstrom Hall, February 9th – 12th

Sophisticated interpretation of this classic fairy tale romance , choreographed by Jean-Christopher Maillot. Exclusive West Coast engagement and Center premiere. Segerstrom Hall, 715 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa

Laguna Art Museum Annual Auction 2012 – February 4th

From 6 to 9 p.m., a fast paced live auction will offer over 100 premier California artists’ works in an exciting silent auction. Sampling of cuisine from known local restaurants such as French 75 and Pelican Hill, select wines, a live DJ with live art performances and an after party of desserts and cocktails will complete this major museum fundraiser.

Special Foodie tip: New Umami Burgers coming to Anaheim Brewery, 336 St. Anaheim Blvd. and 610 N. Coast Highway in Laguna Beach. Umami’s fifth taste burgers are rated among the best in Southern California. Secret? They grind their own beef and pickle their own veggies.

Today our focus is the well known and lauded fashion voltage to Newport’s legendary Fashion Island.

Perched on the bluff with ocean breezes and views to spare, Fashion Island is one of the most prestigious open air retail centers in Southern California–and one of the best in the country.

Every year Fashion Island attracts some 13 million visitors to its sleek playground.

I was there on a warm weekday afternoon recently and it was all too easy to linger. Mere realities like work deadlines and appointments easily became nothing but a distant memory as I became one with my suroundings on this day’s lush golden afternoon sunshine.

The Fashion Island outdoor cool outdoor setting, set amidst signature stores, trendy boutiques, and special little cafes beautifully blended with its numerous lush gardens and gurgling fountains.

The OC leisure scene is now in full swing. Southern California casual hums alongside various nifty perks. Nearby at the new Nordstrom’s Starbucks bar, a sleek black Lamborghini was casually parked at the curb.

Recently, the owners, The Irvine Company, made improvement to the Center’s original design to keep pace with the new Pelican Hills Resort nearby.

Spending over a a hundred million dollars, the Fashion Island owners cleverly shifted Fashion Island’s locale and temperament–from Spain to Italy, by reproducing European street locales.

Often enough by elegantly infusing hand carved granite fountains and Italian streetlights as backdrops for Neiman Marcus, Bloomingdales, Macys, and Nordstroms.

Fashion forward trendsetters are always being added to Fashion Island’s bevy of refined style, including Dean and DeLucca’s gourmet foods, Michael Stars, women’s sportswear, and Dick’s Sporting Goods among the newest.

Click on the Fall Trend Guide for more stores to learn about that are here.

If you spend the afternoon and are not ready to leave, Roys Fusion, Flemings Steakhouse and True Foods, are all top notch dinner options, all clustered together in the Center

Situated across from the 8 screen cinema complex lies Or, the luxury resort Island Hotel, the fabled Ritz Restaurant and Rogers Gardens.

Fashion Island is an elegant open air shopping center–complete with a plethora of fine dining and entertainment choices– deftly mixing coastal ease with trendy sophistication.

Back in 1967. Fashion Island set the bar high with its massive bronze wind chime sculpture by sculptor, Tom Van Sant, that still stands tall at the mall’s southwestern entrance.

At that time, The Guiness Book recorded it as the world’s largest wind chime at that time. And that’s the way things happen at Fashion Island–with direct impact and unmistakable drama.

Holiday Note: About a week before Christmas, one of the tallest trees in the nation is transported here and is lit in Bloomingdale’s courtyard. If you’re in the area come one come all to a holiday treat you’ll soon not forget.

Fashion Island, 401 Newport Center, Newport Beach. Driving directions: From Los Angeles take the 405 San Diego Freeway South. Then exit 10 to merge onto CA-73 toward San Diego to exit 14A and merge onto MacArthur Blvd., and head down Newport Beach until you turn onto San Miguel Drive. If you’re coming from the opposite direction, from the Newport area, turn on Newport Center Drive as you head south on Pacific Coast Highway.

After working for over a year, Ron Durgin from Sustainable Streets, a nonprofit organization committed to building healthy communities by encouraging people of all ages and backgrounds to engage in “active transportation” for their everyday mobility needs.

As noted, just as every journey starts with the first turns of a bike’s few wheels; Santa Monica Spoke has been successful in securing a teaching area for bike classes at the beach.

Now, Santa Monica will be one of the few local cities near Los Angeles, to have a permanent bike teaching area.

Although I haven’t seen it for myself, Richard McKinnon, chairman of the Bike It! Day at Santa Monica High School, and Santa Monica’s Spoke Commissioner, included some great pictures in his email:

Classes start in October!

In a little park in Playa del Rey called Titmouse, at the far right back corner, you’ll find the start of a pathway that leads into the Ballona Creek Wetlands.

Now, I’m not sure if this area is open to the general public. I did see a few “Private Property” signs; but at the point I entered, none of these signs were visible.

To be sure as well, while I was there, I saw a group of students on what looked like a field trip, so I felt comfortable enough that if I did not veer very far from the path, all seemed well and good to have a look.

After that point in time, as I was following the path that starts right at the park, I soon discovered an educational amphitheater.

As a matter of fact I found it rather interesting in which they have decorated this particular area with all of the creatures that call Ballona Creek home.

Next, the path twists and turns and subsequently leads to a wonderful overlook where our fair city meets the wetlands. Currently during this time of the year, it’s not too wet; one may not want to traverse this area in case a good rain shall prevail.

And, who would have thought of putting a bench here–which is apparently in the middle of nowhere.

But, you will see one here dedicated to Mary Thomson, who is the “Mother of the Dunes Restoration” project.

Continuing along the path, you’ll soon reach a viewing stand, from which you can look for the numerous birds, small mammals, reptiles, insects, and flora that live in the Ballona Creek Wetlands. Because of the school tour, I was unable to reach this point, but I’m sure you’ll have no problem to be able to do such.

It’s amazing that in the confines of a city as large as Los Angeles, small nooks and crannies can be found where nature takes the limelight.

I hope you find time to investigate this little corner that centuries past have created, but modern day volunteers maintain.

Just 125 miles north of Los Angeles, it’s a quick ride up the 101 freeway just past Santa Barbara. Turn onto Route 246 and you’ll discover yourself in a delightful village of international shops and gourmet treats. Solvang means “Sunny Field” in Danish.

One hundred years old this year, this remarkable Danish community is celebrating their success with a series of events and festivals.

Nestled in the Santa Ynez Valley, the surrounding wine country offers an inviting tour of 60 wineries looping from Solvang through Los Alamos, Los Olivos, Ballard, and Buellton. The movie Sideways was made here, and you can spot “The Hitching Post,” their favored hangout, on your way into Solvang.

With over 10 wine tasting rooms, numerous European and American restaurants, a Restival Theater and the numerous Danish bakeries also fill the village.

As you explore the area, you’re sure to hear Danes chatting in their native language. Their families have been here for a hundred years.

Flower lined streets with towering windmills offer an international mix of some 200 shops with linens, handicrafts, leather, ironwork and porcelains. You can roll around town in a bicycle built for two, four or six, or take the colorful horse drawn trolleys.

Several hotels and inns line the entrance to Solvang, letting you pick a place to stay and then park for the duration of your trip. No driving needed.

Hand dipped Chocolates, handmade Fudge, European and American menus, the famed aebelskiver (round pancakes) and authentic Danish smorgasbords are all first rate. Hotels like the four star Petersen Village Inn , provide elegant rooms with gourmet European dinners in Café Provence, that overlooks the Village’s Square.

And, there’s more. On the way back, you can make a quick side trip headed South from Solvang on Route 154 to visit the original stagecoach stop, the Cold Springs Tavern, located at 5995 Stagecoach Road, in Santa Barbara.

Further down the canyon, amidst towering trees is a bit of California history–which is well preserved and continues to thrive today, attracting locals and tourists alike.

Established in 1865, the Cold Springs Tavern was built by Chinese laborers as an official relay station over the San Marcos pass. Today it stands just as it was then, with the roadhouse gang bunkhouse and jail, and original tavern. As the halfway point from Los Olivos, stagecoaches with dusty travelers stopped here to change horses and enjoy an old west meal.

That tradition continues today with buffalo burgers, homemade veggie quiches, wines and brews, plus a popular tri-tip barbecue on Sundays, for you to enjoy.

After you’ve returned to LA; be sure to put this on your calendar for a return trip to picturesque Solvang.

Pros – Swimming is fun, relaxing, good for you and a great way to meet people; you’re not in a hot office with a horrible boss and blood cringing boring co-workers

Cons – You get to work harder and harder for less and less pay; sitting in your cubicle thinking about anything else than working.

What say you Los Angelenos?
]]> http://www.travelinlocal.com/hey-los-angeles-would-you-rather-be-here/feed/ 1 http://www.travelinlocal.com/architectural-gems-hidden-throughout-los-angeles/ http://www.travelinlocal.com/architectural-gems-hidden-throughout-los-angeles/#comments Mon, 15 Aug 2011 16:30:40 +0000 D. J. Schwartz http://www.travelinlocal.com/?p=29929 As you wander the streets of Los Angeles, surely the one thing that catches your attention is the number, variety and different types of buildings we have here:

From modern skyscrapers to Romanesque office buildings to the brilliant, striking Hillside Homes that seem to balance on thin air.

From Frank Lloyd Wright’s Block Houses to Richard Neutra’s Lovell House to John Lautner’s Chemosphere to Rudolph Schindler’s Kings Road House, great architecture and Los Angeles are a marriage that has stood the test of time.

And with the work of each of these architects comes the work of their not so famous students. For years, students have sought out mentors in their field, (not a new concept, to be sure), a person they felt they could trust to give them guidance, somebody they could learn from, and someone who could in essence, “Show them the ropes” and someone whose guidance and criticism were taken for their own work’s improvement.

In fact, both John Lautner and Rudolph Schindler worked under Frank Lloyd Wright’s tutelage for a time.

So, with so many masters of architecture here in Los Angeles–and their students–you’ll often find many small hidden architectural gems spread far and wide among our suburban landscape.

Just recently, I was walking through just such a neighborhood; and discovered similarities to the work of Rudolph Schindler.

Their geometric design, combined with a playful, wonderful and utilitarian use of glass–didn’t quite seem to “fit” with the surrounding houses in the neighborhood.

Upon further research, I discovered that these three houses, which were built in 1940, were designed by Edward Lind, a student of Schindler’s in the 1930’s. Although Schindler’s influence isn’t present in all of Lind’s work, these three wonderfully designed homes reflect the magnificent design influences of his teacher–especially if you have time to see them in person.

It really does pay to stop and smell the roses in Los Angeles. You never know what you’ll find.

Although chocolate chips can be used for a variety of recipes and foods, (Chocolate Chip Ice Cream, for example); my favorite–as most other people would concur-is the chocolate chip cookie.

So, to properly honor National Chocolate Chip Day, let’s celebrate it as it should be–by eating a chocolate chip cookie or cookies.

I’ll bet that most of you are not aware of the fact the first chocolate chip cookie was made by accident.

The story is as follows:

It all started in the 1930s, at the Toll House Inn, which was owned by Ruth and Kenneth Wakefield.

Here, Ruth would prepare delicious, home-cooked meals that would be served for her guests.

One day, while preparing a batch of Butter Drop Do cookies, a favorite recipe dating back to Colonial days, Ruth cut a bar of our NESTLÉ® Semi-Sweet Chocolate into tiny bits and added them to her dough, expecting them to melt.

Instead, the chocolate held its shape and softened to a delicately creamy texture. Source: Very Best Baking

Of course, as they say, the rest is history. Soon, the chocolate chip cookie garnered vast popularity; and now the name Toll House is synonymous with chocolate chip cookies.

But, where can you find the best chocolate chip cookies in Los Angeles?

Here’s our Top 10 list for the best Los Angeles Eateries for Chocolote Chip Cookies :

1. Cafe Dulce – 134 Japanese Village Plaza, Building E, Los Angeles, CA 90012, (213) 346-9910
2. DeLuscious Cookies & Milk – 829 North Highland Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90038, (323) 460-2370
3. Diddy Riese Cookies – 926 Broxton Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90024, (310) 208-0448
4. Dutch Oven Bakery – 2281 Lake Avenue, Altadena, CA 91001, (626) 794-3555
5. Froma – 7960 Melrose Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90046, (323) 653-3700
6. Ice Cream Plus – 8158 West Sunset Boulevard, West Hollywood, CA 90046, (323) 656-8332
7. Lido Bakery – 3001 North Sepulveda Boulevard, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266, (310) 545-8955
8. Porto’s Bakery – 3614 West Magnolia Boulevard, Burbank, CA 91504, (818) 846-9100
9. Proof Bakery – 3156 Glendale Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90039, (323) 664-8633
10. Snookies Cookies & More – 1609 Victory Boulevard, Glendale, CA 91201, (818) 502-2013

All of the establishments listed also serve a variety of other food besides chocolate chip cookies–so be sure to take your time and peruse their menus.

If you want to take matters into your own hands and want to make your own chocolate chip cookies, here’s an excellent recipe:

Toll House Cookie

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs
• 2 cups (12-oz. pkg.) Semi-Sweet Chocolate Morsels
• 1 cup chopped nuts

PREHEAT oven to 375° F.
COMBINE flour, baking soda and salt in small bowl. Beat butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar and vanilla extract in large mixer bowl until creamy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Gradually beat in flour mixture. Stir in morsels and nuts. Drop by rounded tablespoon onto ungreased baking sheets.
BAKE for 9 to 11 minutes or until golden brown. Cool on baking sheets for 2 minutes; remove to wire racks to cool completely.

Sweet Eats for a Sweet Holiday – And who doesn’t like Chocolate?

Photo courtesy of College Lifestyles

In the case of this highway, drivers will definitely enjoy driving Kanan Dune Road in Malibu all the way to Interstate 101.

A few days ago, I found myself on the Westside and needed to get to Agoura Hills. Remembering the road that I traveled to get to Newton Falls, I thought about Kanan Dune, which snakes all the way from PCH to the 101.

And I was right.

Recently resurfaced, driving Kanan Dune Drive road is a blast.

And because it’s summertime, be happy that you won’t have to battle snow on the ground as you battle the physical and other environmental elements as you travel on Kanan Dune:

So, if you’re interested in traveling this route, either by car or bike, I highly recommend it; but if you can’t, I’m more than happy to share a few photos I snapped of this iconic road:

There’s several other roads that lead from Malibu to the Valley, including Malibu Canyon Road. So knowing these alternate routes should prove valuable, since they all provide similar views, making it a tad more important to know your options during this weekend’s car duress. So it’s worth the time to explore your alternate routes.

Here, it’s so easy to just drop back in time and soak up the summer in Newport, especially on Newport’s Balboa Island and peninsula!

Here, you can rent bikes of every type imaginable and reserve countless boat trips and cruises as you explore Balboa Island and peninsula.

Come for an afternoon or spend a week. Just park your car and enjoy!

There are many hotels nearby–the beach is pristine and gorgeous, and there’s an excellent bike path that borders it all the way to both Huntington and Seal Beaches.

Newport Harbor’s Balboa Island is accessible by a bridge at one end. And on the other, from Jamboree Road, accessible to the Newport Harbor from the 405 or the 5 freeways–which then takes you to the bridge and the island. The other end of Balboa Island, ferry carries cars, bikes, and walk-ons that take you back in history to times of old time amusement parks. Restaurants, fashion boutiques, candy shops and bakeries abound.

Take your pick of watercraft and trips: Sunset gondola cruises, trips to Catalina Island, Whale watching tours (Right now the Blue Whales are turning up!), or rent stand up paddle boards, a kayak, or even an electric duffy.

Browse the shoppes: You’ll perhaps purchase a new bikini or stunning cover up, along with clever gifts, hip home décor, charming children’s fashions and collector treasures.

Dine in Newport or on Balboa: The Balboa Bay Club has a Sunday BBQ, replete with baby back ribs or chicken, salads, watermelon, and live music. Villa Nova in Newport has the best piano bar and late night suppers.

On Balboa, the dining and treats are endless. Don’t miss the frozen bananas or Balboa Bar treats!

Also, its choice of bars and bands is non-stop. Malarkey’s, Woody’s Wharf, and Newport Brew Co. keeps the peninsula jumping.

The Blue Beet in Newport comes complete with a serious martini bar and lots of funky old blues. It dates back to 1912!

Not to miss is its Fourth of July Boat Parade – If you are around over the Fourth, one of the largest boat parades in the nation is free and all of the fun starts at 1 p.m. (Note – check for road closures and consider using the ferry with a bike).

Sample a few of Newport and Balboa’s many choices and we predict you’ll be back for another round anytime, and at a drop of a dime!

Subsequently, July 4th firework shows both in Los Angeles and across the country, is a tradition with both small and large demonstrations.

For me, personally, the 4th of July, invokes many memories.

For those that may not know me or have heard anything, I grew up in a small town in Ohio. It represented–and stood for–the archetypical experience which celebrated our nation’s Declaration of Independence–which included family picnics, pie eating contests, and of course, spreading out the lawn chairs to watch the fireworks!

In other words, what was and remains a major part of history, became both unique to all Americans, no matter where they live.

Later, when I was living in Washington DC, I was privileged to watch the “Grandaddy” of em’ all July 4th festivals at the Capital Mall. I was lucky to experience nd enjoy both the grandeur of the big city festivities, along with my fondest memories from my charming hometown.

Here in LA, we have it all. Small to gigantic fireworks displays–from LA Memorial Coliseum’s Exposition Park to Norwalk.

Many traditional local events have been discontinued, unfortunately, due to budgetary issues. Be that as it may, here’s a list of all the best Places in LA to Watch the July 4th Fireworks–another great bonus, is that many of the shows are free, so if you’re lucky–you just might find a free parking space also to enjoy LA’s July 4th Fireworks!

• Alhambra

Bring your appetite, too, because food trucks will also be celebrating the 4^th of July in Alhambra.

Almansor Park
800 S. Almansor St.

• Baldwin Park

All the fun begins at 5:00pm with music, food, games, and entertainment, including the fireworks.

Sierra Vista High School
3600 Frazier Avenue

• Cerritos

The 38^th Annual Let Freedom Ring Celebration will be held on Monday, July 4^th from 4:00 to 9:00pm. The event will include food and game booths, and entertainment.

Cerritos High School
12500 E. 183rd Street

• Claremont

2011 Theme: We the People…Celebrate!

This year’s Independence Day Celebration will be another fun-filled day in the true Claremont tradition! Over 50 community volunteers comprise the Independence Day Committee that dedicates nearly 6 months in the planning and execution of this community event.

Memorial Park
840 N. Indian Hill Boulevard

• Commerce

Event features a 5K Run at 8:00am, a carnival, and lots of fun family celebrations.

Rosewood Park
2535 Commerce Way

• Crescenta Valley

The gates will open at 4:00pm, the music starts, the rides are running (yes, we will be having rides again in 2011), the food is cooking and everyone will come in to watch fireworks. Tickets are $5.00, but the proceeds go to support this year’s and next year’s festivities.

La Crescenta Elementary School
4343 la Crescenta Ave.

• Culver City

Annual 4^th of July fireworks show at Culver City High School. Gates open at 5:00pm and the entertainment begins at 6:30pm. Although this event is free, a donation of $2.00 per person is being suggested. Bring a picnic or enjoy food from snack bar and vendors.

Culver City High School
4401 Elenda Street

• Diamond Bar

Live music by Sound Bytes (Pop 60s – 90s), picnic games, face painting, and arts & crafts activities for children will provide non-stop family fun all take place starting at 5:00pm.

Diamond Bar High School
21400 Pathfinder Rd, Diamond Bar

• Downey

Gates open at 5:30pm, DJ music from 6:00-7:00pm and live music until the fireworks start at 9:00pm.

Downey High School Football Stadium
11040 Brookshire Avenue

• Gardena

Don’t forget to bring your blanket!

Rowley Park
13220 S. Van Ness Ave.

• Huntington Park

The “4^th of July at the Park: An American Celebration” will be held starting at 2:00pm. Among the festivities at the event will be a carnival, rides, food booths, and games.

Salt Lake Park
3401 E. Florence Blvd.

• La Habra

La Habra’s annual 4^th of July Celebration returns with all of its fun! Fireworks, food vendors, live music, games, and more! All the fun starts at 5:00pm.

La Habra High School
801 Highlander Avenue

• La Puenta

If you’d like to catch two days of fireworks, July 3rd is the day to see and enjoy a hometown show. All the festivities start at 5:00pm.

La Puenta Park
501 Glendora Ave

• Lancaster

Celebrate the 4^th of July with the entire family at the Antelope Valley Fairgrounds. Gates open at 8:00pm.

Antelope Valley Fairgrounds
2551 West Ave H

• Leimert Park

It doesn’t get any better than jazz and blues, children’s arts and crafts, face painting, plus free watermelon. For all of this and more, head to the Vision Theater’s back lot in Liemert Park at 1:00pm.

Vision Theatre back lot
3341 W. 43rd Pl., Los Angeles

• Long Beach

If you’re looking for an old-fashioned BBQ with corn-on-the-cob and baked beans just to name a few, the Queen Mary Independence Day celebration is the place to be. Add to that, two stages with live music, entertainers, and a children’s area, and you have a recipe for a great evening. Tickets can be purchased via Goldstar.

The Queen Mary
1126 Queens Highway, Long Beach

• Los Angeles

For the 9^th consecutive year, the Fourth of July Fireworks Extravaganza comes to Exposition Park. Entertainment will get under way at around 12:00pm. Fireworks show will begin at dusk and is a full 60 minutes worth of entertainment.

Exposition Park
Christmas Tree Lane, South Lawn

• Norwalk

Taking place on July 3^rd, Norwalk’s celebration starts at 3:00pm with a Locks for Love Hair Drive, plus, live music, food booths, and face painting.

Norwalk Civic Center Lawn
12700 Norwalk Blvd., Norwalk, CA, 90650

• Pacific Palisades

For a fun family time, the Pacific Palisades Americanism is a wonderful spot to be. All the fun starts at 1:50pm with the skydivers, who actually kick off the parade. The Parade is on Sunset Blvd. in Pacific Palisades between via de la Paz and Drummond St.

Entertainment and fireworks:

Palisades Charter High School
15777 Bowdoin Street

• Pasadena

The granddaddy local fireworks of all take place each year at the Rose Bowl. The food court opens at 2:00pm, the stadium opens at 6:00pm, and the Drum and Bugle performances begin at 7:00pm. General Admission is $13 General Admission, Kids 7 and under are free, and so are active military with an ID. You can get tickets in advance from Ticketmaster, but at the gate, it’s cash only.

The Rose Bowl Stadium
Pasadena

• Porter Ranch

This festival and fireworks show which starts at 4:30pm includes moon bounces and face painting for the children, an outdoor stage show as well as optional food purchases from over a dozen local food vendors.

Shepherd of the Hills Church
19700 Rinaldi Street

• Redondo Beach

Come together with friends and neighbors for a unique gathering at the famous Seaside Lagoon in Redondo Beach celebrating our community, country, family and friends. The gates open at 2:00pm, the Kids 4^th Annual Freedom Parade is at 7:00pm, and Live Entertainment until 10:00pm.

Seaside Lagoon
200 Portofino Way

• San Fernando Valley

From 10:00am until after the fireworks show, this holiday celebration in the San Fernando Valley features dancing, music and other live entertainment, food, and fireworks, and if you’d like to swim in the lake, be sure to bring your suit.

Hansen Dam Recreation Area
11770 Foothill Blvd., Lake View Terrace

• San Pedro

Starting with the ringing of the Korean Friendship Bell and ending with the fireworks, Cabrillo Beach is a family fun way to spend the Fourth. Featuring live music, military exhibits, tours of a Navy frigate, armed forces, and U.S. Coast Guard demonstrations, and displays by the LA City Fire Department’s firefighting boat, Cabrillo Beach’s celebration starts at 10:30am.

Cabrillo Beach
3720 Stephen M. White Dr., San Pedro

• Santa Clarita

Santa Clarita 4^th of July Parade will take place in Old Town Newhall starting at 9:00am. The parade runs north along Main Street from 5th Street to Lyons Avenue, turns west on Lyons and then north onto Orchard Village Road, ending at 16th Street.

Westfield Valencia Town Center
24201 West Valencia Boulevard

• South Gate

Enjoy the thrill rides! Try your luck on the midway games! Eat cotton candy, pop corn, candy apples & other goodies!

South Gate Park
9615 Pinehurst Avenue

• Studio City

For a fun-filled family festival featuring exhibits, food, music, and a children’s fun zone head over to the back lot at CBS Studios. The event starts at 5:00pm with the gates open at 4:30pm. Adults are $15 in advance, $20 at the gate and children 6-12 are $8 in advance, $10 at the gate. Parking is free.

CBS Studio Center
4024 Radford Avenue

• Woodland Hills

The Dennis P. Zine July 4^th Extravaganza will feature music by the 110-piece Los Angeles Pierce Symphonic Winds, food, fun, and of course, fireworks. All the fun starts at 6:00pm.

Warner Park
8800 Topanga Canyon Blvd.

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Well, as you can see, you’ll have no shortages of places to go to celebrate the 4^th of July here in Los Angeles replete with fireworks as well.

If we have missed any venue that’s not on this list feel free to email us or contact us to let us know and we’ll be happy to include it to our list.

And remember, be safe, and if you’re planning on drinking bring along a designated driver.

Lastly, the staff at Travelin’ Local wishes each and one of you a Happy July 4^th!

]]> http://www.travelinlocal.com/the-best-places-in-la-to-watch-the-july-4th-fireworks/feed/ 1 http://www.travelinlocal.com/stix-the-rapper-from-watts/ http://www.travelinlocal.com/stix-the-rapper-from-watts/#comments Fri, 15 Apr 2011 14:25:09 +0000 Miles Villalon http://www.travelinlocal.com/?p=27916 Turntables sit in a row on empty barrels; the building is stripped down with gritty brick walls–creating the new and hip urban environment consisting of Graffiti in many parts of our nation.

On one of its walls “LA” is sprawled across it as graffiti art; and on the other side, painted vinyl records are on display.

Here at Scratch DJ Academy, in Los Angeles, is where I meet Watts-the hipster native rapper. Here, Stix and DJ Hapa–director of Scratch LA–were hard at work to present a performance event that they were hosting for the following Saturday.

“Right here 16 bars,” Hapa says to Stix.

They were producing one of Stix’s singles “Champagne,” during a DJ set by Hapa. Stix finally settles on a a verse to play from his single after doing a verse as his homage and respect to the gone but never forgotten, the famed, Notorious BIG’s classic “Juicy.”



“I don’t want to overdose our creative energy,” Stix remaked.

As he continued to practice, at one point he turned toward me to remind me that what he does is hard work–and he works a lot.

“This is my life, a hundred things at once,” he said.

Born and raised in Watts, Stix (his real name is Brandon Salaam), grew up in a rough neighborhood and early on made the decision that unlike many young people in that area; but he was going to pursue a different path rather than to become a gang-banger–at first he thought that route would be sports.

“I had older friends who were gang members, who saw I was different and told me to stick to sports, you couldn’t tell me I wasn’t going to be professional,” Stix said.

Music came later for him. In 2003, Stix said he got into music first as a dancer, helping to create the Krumping dance scene.

“My goal was to make a whole movement in dance history.”

A friend of his from Watts known as Bad Lucc, who wrote some songs for Snoop Dogg, took notice of him and started to teach Stix how to create and craft songs–thus his future was subsequently set into motion.

“I make songs that appeal to a diverse crowd and which are relevant to what’s happening now,” Stix said.

One song Stix suggests that people listen to is Let’s Go, which is about politics and how people are getting robbed by a higher power.

“I made it in vein you digest it and think about it,” he exhorted.

Stix also makes it a point that while he is from the West Coast, his music isn’t the typical West Coast rap music one would expect.

“My sound isn’t ‘West Coast’ like gangster rap, but I’m a rapper from the West Coast. I like to have fun and see people happy..”

Much of the music Stix told me is is inspired by woman–adding that they talk about things that people assume men wouldn’t normally talk about. He also makes it clear that in his music he doesn’t denigrate women, and also he doesn’t curse because he feels it limits artists who do that. This was his inspiration from Will Smith.

He added, “I look at Will Smith and a lot of people think he’s a cornball (rapper), but he’s definitely an inspiration, but I’m just a bit more edgier.

He has an mixtape available for free download called Better Late Than Never as well as his first solo album, Late for Sound Check and he worked on an album with musician Bobby Valentino, called Next of Both Worlds, a play off of the Jay-Z, R. Kelly collaboration album Best of Both Worlds.

According to him, “We take their whole concept and said if they are the best, we are the next,” Stix said.

Watts plays a big part of his music as he always represents the city whee he’s from. Los Angeles, he says, has a competitive spirit, which is apparent in his music video, I’m Fly, which is currently available to the public.

“I always shout out to Watts (in my music), and if your home and don’t embrace it, how will anyone else embrace you,” he said.

I asked him about the support from his community and if he’s faced any criticism, it’s for not being hardcore enough in his music.

“I get more support for being something different, even the rawest of gang members see me ask what’s going on,” he added.

Stix also gives back to his community by hosting charity events that gave away backpacks, school supplies and clothes– something he hopes to do annually for his community.

Recently Stix decided to go back to school, since he said he can’t still be rapping at 40, hoping one day to enter politics:

“I want to enhance my intellect by going back to college, it only does yourself a service, you always have to have a plan b, c, d and e,”

From his music and charity events, many others acknowledge the hard work that Stix puts in. I’m probably one of the hardest working artists.

In my opinion, I think he’s very diverse and is constantly evolving. It is usually a hard thing to find an artist who genuinely is a good person,” DJ Hapa his partner added.

In August, he will be touring around bases around California. and he’s working on an EP to be released in May. Stix is not one to forget that his beliefs is what got him to where he now is.

“I am a firm believer in God, and God always reveals something to let you know, don’t stop and if I stay persistent I’ll definitely make it to the top,” Stix said.

With the word-wide phenomenon of the mixtures of Graffiti, Rap, Dance, Multi-Culturism, Film and Freshness, and Art–among other arts–is what Stix embraces and it’s here to say–it’s urban, its hip, and it’s our future.
]]> http://www.travelinlocal.com/stix-the-rapper-from-watts/feed/ 0 http://www.travelinlocal.com/ciclavia-no-cars-allowed-will-be-held-on-april-10th/ http://www.travelinlocal.com/ciclavia-no-cars-allowed-will-be-held-on-april-10th/#comments Fri, 18 Feb 2011 10:37:46 +0000 Lisa Newton http://www.travelinlocal.com/?p=26776 This past October, the first fun and communal CicLAvia event took place.

In case you don’t know what CicLAvia is, it’s a day when certain streets are all closed for motor vehicles—no cars allowed!

Along the 7 mile route in the map below, only bikes, pedestrians, skateboarders, skaters, and any other type of non-motorized mode of transportation are invited to share the streets together.

The October 10^th, CicLAvia was so successful there’s another one planned for Sunday, April 10^th, 2011.

The route is still the same. It starts at Hollenbeck Park in Boyle Heights and extends to East Hollywood:


View CicLAvia Planned Route in a larger map

To get an idea of what you’ll expect, here’s a few videos I found from the 10/10/10 event:

]]> http://www.travelinlocal.com/ciclavia-no-cars-allowed-will-be-held-on-april-10th/feed/ 0 http://www.travelinlocal.com/hopefully-the-after-all-the-rain-in-los-angeles-the-forecast-is/ http://www.travelinlocal.com/hopefully-the-after-all-the-rain-in-los-angeles-the-forecast-is/#comments Wed, 22 Dec 2010 21:11:30 +0000 Lisa Newton http://www.travelinlocal.com/?p=25197 I realize a lot has been written about the current rain storms hitting the Los Angeles area, but seeing is believing it.

This morning, I did a quick search of Youtube to see what has had been uploaded in the last few days and netted the following results.

Over the last week, Los Angeles has gained ⅓ of its usual annual rainfall that typically occurs in a year.

To be sure, not to understate the matter but that’s a lot of rain!

Hopefully, let’s look at the weather expected for tomorrow:

In the meantime, take care and be careful, especially if you’re driving in these hazardous conditions.
]]> http://www.travelinlocal.com/hopefully-the-after-all-the-rain-in-los-angeles-the-forecast-is/feed/ 0 http://www.travelinlocal.com/sing-a-long-saturdaygood-charlottes-the-river/ http://www.travelinlocal.com/sing-a-long-saturdaygood-charlottes-the-river/#comments Sat, 11 Dec 2010 16:25:25 +0000 Lisa Newton http://www.travelinlocal.com/?p=24668 In case you didn’t realize, the LA River is enjoying a kind of rebirth. About 6 months ago, it was declared “navigable.”

Since then, increased interest in maintaining or using the the River, keeping it clean, boating the River and conducting River Tours have all either started or are in the works.

Long before this rejuvenation, Good Charlotte, a pop-pun, rock band, released their first single, entitled The River, on their fourth album named Good Morning Revival.

Featuring Avenged Sevenfold‘s lead singer, M. Shadows and guitarist Synyster Gates, The River was released online on January 4, 2007.

The music video, premiered on MTV on February 7, 2007:

It features Good Charlotte performing alongside the concrete L.A. river bank that runs through the city, contrasted with classic images of the beauty and history of Los Angeles. The video clip shows the two sides of L.A., the excitement and glamour of L.A. that the band witnessed early on in their career and then the deeper/darker hidden side of L.A. that people and the band saw after living there for years.

Here’s a video of the song, Good Charlotte:

]]> http://www.travelinlocal.com/sing-a-long-saturdaygood-charlottes-the-river/feed/ 0 http://www.travelinlocal.com/a-weekend-morning-on-venice-beach/ http://www.travelinlocal.com/a-weekend-morning-on-venice-beach/#comments Sun, 21 Nov 2010 15:10:00 +0000 Lisa Newton http://www.travelinlocal.com/?p=23703 Our much needed rain is upon us this weekend, but last weekend, I spent a quiet weekend morning on a very small section of Venice Beach.

Unlike today, it wasn’t raining, and it was still fairly early, but the activity was still in full swing. Venice has such a unique vibe to it. Each time I go, I discover something new.

And this weekend morning was no different.

I’ve already written about my discovery of a new mural, Venice-kinesi, which is replacing Venice Reconstituted, both by well-known muralist, Rip Cronk.

However, the new discoveries dydn’t stop there.



Even though I’ve been to this location several times and seen the artwork on the ground, I never noticed this particular part where the name VENICE is spelled.

Of course, on any given day, you might find someone feeding the various fowl that inhabit this section of the beach:



This gentleman has quite a following, just look at the size of his bread bag.



Of course, on any given day, you’ll find the Venice Graffiti Artists in full swing.

Everyday on the Venice Art Walls, the Graffiti Artists create new images that are full of color, images, and life. After all, how many places can you go and watch the artwork unfold right in front of you?

And what are all of these people looking at?



The Venice Skate Park of course.

This is the first time I had the opportunity to visit the Park, which just celebrated its one year anniversary last month. It’s fun to watch the various skateboards and what they can do.



In addition to the activities listed above, on any given weekend morning in Venice, or weekday, you’ll find an endless array of things to do and to keep you busy around here–swimming, surfing, biking, walking, shopping, eating, and having a ton of fun once a month at Venice’s First Friday ion Abbott Kinney.

And this little story of mine was about how I spent my weekend morning in Venice in the very small section of it, just west of Windward Circle, right under the Venice sign.



]]> http://www.travelinlocal.com/a-weekend-morning-on-venice-beach/feed/ 0 http://www.travelinlocal.com/los-angeles-free-friday-29/ http://www.travelinlocal.com/los-angeles-free-friday-29/#comments Fri, 05 Nov 2010 16:29:46 +0000 Lisa Newton http://www.travelinlocal.com/?p=22945 The election is over, Halloween has been tricked and treated, and from the looks of it, this weekend is a chance to kick back and spend some quality time at home, or at the movie theater, as our major heatwave is coming to an end–thanks to gosh!

Or you need to catch up on your put off does on your to-do list; or maybe it’s time that you pay attention to your significant other and do what she/he is been asking of you.

Perhaps you want to explore LA’s Hippest and Coolest Walking Tours that now you have the time to explore–after all, the water in the ocean is going to require, if not now, a wetsuit soon. [Ed.Note] Many hate to wear wetsuits cause the beach water is going be cold for the next 8 months!

Also, now that fall is officially here and the Holidays are but a hop, skip and jump away, at this time of the year, many of you are making accordingly–gift purchases are well underway, and shopping is in the air. Or maybe family and friend events bekon and plans are underway.

Anyway, that’s probably why there’s not too many free events this weekend, but there are a couple.

One major event taking place this weekend is the Iannis Xenakis’ Persepolis LA is Coming this Saturday which we already covered.



Just when you thought that all of the Día de los Muertos events were over, Canoga Park steps in.

On Sunday, November 7^th, from 10:00am until 5:00pm the 10^th Annual Día de los Muertos Festival on Sherman Way, between Canoga and Vassar Avenues, kicks off.

As in Latino tradition, paying respect and celebrating deceased loved ones; the Festival will feature live music, food booths, entertainment, and 80+ arts and crafts vendors. Lastly, there will be a classic car show and a sidewalk chalk art contest too.

As to myself, it’s time that I get some quality “me” time and perhaps have a good bike ride and maybe a little fall cleaning; and have everything ready just in time for the holidays.

]]> http://www.travelinlocal.com/los-angeles-free-friday-29/feed/ 0 http://www.travelinlocal.com/10-rainy-day-activities-to-do-in-los-angeles/ http://www.travelinlocal.com/10-rainy-day-activities-to-do-in-los-angeles/#comments Mon, 11 Oct 2010 18:16:13 +0000 Lisa Newton http://www.travelinlocal.com/?p=6969 If the weather forecasts are to be believed—yes, they’ve gotten better over the years– Los Angeles is due to have a quite a few rain showers; and overall, a wet weekend.

Travelin’ Local’s mission is to write about, and focus our stories on the positive side of things, so we’ve prepared a list of fun things to do, and places to see while Travelin’ Local, when “sunny” Los Angeles, may not always be so sunny—especially when it’s raining:

1. Go to a museum – Los Angeles is a Mecca for museums; from the traditional Los Angeles County Museum of Art to the more specialized George C. Page Museum. Going to a museum is a great way to spend a rainy weekend, and you can attend many for free:

2. Get a Workout – Indoor workouts, either one you’ve designed yourself or one you use at an indoor gym are perfect. How about starting the 100 Push up Challenge? Or maybe you’d like a change of pace and want an indoor swim. Los Angeles has plenty of opportunities for that as well.


View Los Angeles Swimming Pools in a larger map

3. See a Movie – Although not a novel idea, new movies open up almost every weekend, and Los Angeles has some great old movie theatres to catch the latest flick.



4. Shop till you Drop, and then shop some more – During the holiday season—and for the rest of the year–it’s always great to go to the mall. Maybe you’ve already finished your holiday shopping, but  window shopping or people watching are fun activities to do at the mall or at other shopping streets, areas, and boutique stores.


LA’s Local Shopping Malls

5. Enjoy a cup of hot chocolate – The LAist just did a wonderful article on the best hot chocolate places in the metro area. On a cold rainy morning, a nice warm cup of hot chocolate really hits the spot.



6. Visit your local library – Finding a nice quiet corner, curling up with a classic, and settling down for a few hours is a wonderful way to pass a rainy afternoon. For many bibliophiles, it’s not just for rainy weather—but makes for a way of life.


Visit your local library

7.Call an Old Friend – Have an old friend you haven’t talked to in a long time? Give him or her a call and catch up. Remember to have a friend you have to be a friend.

8. Treat Yourself to a Spa Treatment –taking care of yourself, or rather having others do the same, is the name of the game. In no particular order, here are a few you might check out:

1. Thibiant Beverly Hills Day Spa

2. Kinara Spa

3. Glen Ivy Hot Springs

4. Ona Spa

5. The Argyle Salon & Spa

6. Burke Williams Day Spa

7. Hankook Sauna & Spa

8. Le Petite Retreat

9. Pho Siam Thai Spa

10. The Spa At Palazzo

9. Go to a Restaurant – Enjoying a meal at your favorite and cozy restaurant while someone else does the cooking and dishes, with the sound of rain outside, relaxes the soul and creates the perfect atmosphere for romance and enlightening conversation.



10. Stay at home – I’m a big fan of just staying home. Maybe this is the weekend to start your “spring” cleaning, or to finish that long overdue work project, or even to fix that broken shelf in your kitchen. Whatever that thing “may” be on your to-do list, rain has a way of making staying at home, even better.

Although “sunny” CA isn’t too sunny today, there are still lots of things to do while Travelin’ Local.

]]> http://www.travelinlocal.com/10-rainy-day-activities-to-do-in-los-angeles/feed/ 0 http://www.travelinlocal.com/boyle-heights-farmers-market-is-every-friday/ http://www.travelinlocal.com/boyle-heights-farmers-market-is-every-friday/#comments Wed, 06 Oct 2010 14:13:49 +0000 Lisa Newton http://www.travelinlocal.com/?p=21444 Since its inception on Friday, July 9, 2010, The Boyle Heights Farmers Market has become a gathering place to buy some veggies or even some kettle corn; but most of all, the Boyle Heights Farmers Market helps its residents to connect with the community. Indeed, that’s the best part of every farmers market.

Part of that connection are the special events that the Boyle Heights Farmers Market provides–take this October for example.

For the next three Friday’s; October 8^th, 15^th, and 22^nd, you can join the 1^st ever "BH Pumpkin Patch.”

Purchase your pumpkin and carve it on the spot!



Take a family picture at their Hay Stack Area…it’s lots of fun for the whole Family!

Don’t forget all of the live music and entertainment that’s there also.

For people who are driving to the Boyle Heights Farmers Market, there’s free parking on the corner of Pennsylvania Avenue and Bailey Street.

But, there’s only enough room for about 30 vehicles, so the best way to get there is via the Metro Gold Line. If you’re going to drive, get there early and try and find street parking.

What else can I say but enjoy yourself and have a great time!

]]> http://www.travelinlocal.com/boyle-heights-farmers-market-is-every-friday/feed/ 0 http://www.travelinlocal.com/exploring-tide-pools-at-point-fermin-state-marine-park/ http://www.travelinlocal.com/exploring-tide-pools-at-point-fermin-state-marine-park/#comments Tue, 05 Oct 2010 14:26:20 +0000 Guest Post http://www.travelinlocal.com/?p=21460 My family loves to enjoy time together exploring nature outdoors. With two young kids ages 6 and 2 ½, we’re always on the lookout for new places to explore. You might be surprised how many wonderful gems there are right here in Los Angeles.

Case in point: Point Fermin State Marine Park.

Never heard of it? Point Fermin is located within Cabrillo Beach Park, which has many places to experience nature, including the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium, a coastal native plant garden and a salt marsh.

The tide pools at Point Fermin are home to all different types of marine plants and animals. During our visit, we saw all kinds of sea crabs, chitons, muscles, sea urchin shells, seaweed and much more that local ocean life in the tidepools. For free of course!

Our recent visit was shared with other members of a family nature club I started earlier this summer. Through our club, we hope to show people how easy (and fun!) it is to get kids outside exploring nature – even in Los Angeles, where it’s vital that they learn more to life than crowded roads and other big city distractions.



Our trip to Point Fermin didn’t disappoint.



Our Notes From the Field

The toughest part about tide pooling is timing your visit just right. We scheduled our excursion during low tide, which makes the marine life much more accessible. (You can check Point Fermin’s tides here.)

The path from the Cabrillo Beach Park to the tide pools is a short, flat walk, but once we got there, we realized we were in for some serious rock hopping to reach the pools.

It took us a few minutes to get used to maneuvering, but once we did, we moved quickly. As soon as we reached an area with some water trapped in it, we all stopped to take a look.

There are also kelp beds teeming with sea life.



I never thought seaweed could look so beautiful!



While my oldest was most thrilled by his discovery of this huge sea slug,



he was pretty proud of finding this chiton, too.



That’s part of what makes tide pooling so much fun. It’s a real-life nature treasure hunt. And everyone discovers something.

Even our youngest found plenty of creatures small enough for him to grab.



I encouraged the kids to touch their discoveries carefully, but leave everything where they found it. We explored the tide pools for almost about an hour and a half, moving from one pool to another, taking care to stop and peek inside to see what we could discover in each one.



What better way to pass an afternoon than being outdoors exploring nature with family and friends?

Planning Your Visit

• Time your visit during a low tide (check the tides at Point Fermin here)
• Parking is free for 20 minutes, then costs $1 per hour with a maximum of $9 per day; cash only
• The tide pools are not a stroller-friendly spot, so wear comfortable shoes & be prepared to maneuver over some rocks
• Practice sun safety – wear a hat and sunscreen and bring along plenty of water
• If you’ve got a little explorer–3 years old or younger–bring along an extra set of hands
• There are no food services available at the park, although there are ample picnic tables available for use
• There are no restrooms at the tide pool areas (the closest is at the nearby Southern California Bathhouse)



Point Fermin State Marine Park is just steps from Cabrillo Beach Park at:

3720 Stephen M. White Drive
San Pedro, CA 90731
Directions to Point Fermin State Marine Park

Debi Huang is a Los Angeles-based wife, mom and adventure guide for two young boys. Her blog at Go Explore Nature is all about getting kids and families outdoors and connecting then with nature. For more information about her family nature club adventures, send her an email at tdj2004 [at] gmail [dot] com.

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